What You Should Know & How to Recover Well

Cesarean births-commonly known as C-sections-are one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States.

And if you’re giving birth in South Carolina, it’s important to know you’re not alone in facing this experience.

Let’s talk about the stats, what your body needs to recover, and why rest and nourishment after a cesarean aren’t luxuries they’re essential.

C-Section Stats in South Carolina

According to the most recent CDC data:

– Over 1 in 3 births in South Carolina are via Cesarean-34.6% to be exact.

– That’s above the national average of 32.1%.

While many C-sections are planned and medically necessary, others happen after a long labor, unexpected complications, or fetal distress. Regardless of the reason, a cesarean is major abdominal surgery-and your recovery deserves attention, not assumptions.

The Reality of Cesarean Recovery

After a C-section, you’re healing from:

– A 6-inch surgical incision, through multiple layers of tissue

– Internal stitches

– Often, a long exhausting labor before surgery

– The demands of caring for a newborn

And yet many parents are sent home within 48-72 hours with nothing more than a prescription and a pamphlet. You deserve better.

Why Rest Is Critical After a C-Section

Here’s the truth: C-section recovery isn’t just about wound care. It’s about total mind, body and emotional repair. Lifting, twisting, pushing, and sleep deprivation can delay healing and increase complications.

Cesarean Birth in South Carolina: What You Should Know & How to Recover Well

Rest helps:

– Reduce bleeding and swelling

– Lower the risk of infection

– Improve milk supply (yes, rest matters for that too!)

– Support emotional and hormonal balance

This is where postpartum doula care can be life-changing.

Postpartum Nutrition After Surgical Birth

Nourishing food can accelerate your healing and ease inflammation. After surgery, your body needs:

– Iron-rich foods to rebuild blood lost during birth

– Protein and vitamin C to repair tissue

– Hydration + fiber to prevent constipation (a common and painful side effect)

Some healing foods I recommend:

– Bone broth or veggie-rich soups

– Salmon, lentils, or dark leafy greens

– Avocados, eggs, and nut butters

– Warm teas

-stewed veggies and fruits

Even better? Let someone else prep it.

Ask for help. Accept meals. Hire support.

You Don’t Have to Heal Alone

At Compassionate Care Doula Services, I work with many families recovering from surgical births.

Whether you’re just coming home or you’re a few weeks in and still feeling depleted, it’s never too late to ask for help.

If you’re preparing for a planned C-section or recovering from an unexpected one, let’s build your village. You deserve sleep. You deserve warm meals. You deserve support that sees you, not just the baby.

Cesarean Birth in South Carolina:

What You Should Know & How to Recover Well

Let’s Talk

DM me -CESAREAN- or visit CompassionateCareDoula.com to schedule a free consult. I’d be honored to walk alongside you, one nourishing, restful step at a time.